Chapter Nine ~ One Step Forward

Emily sat down, pulling out a piece of paper. She quickly began constructing a note.

Dear Iza,

We’re finishing up in King John’s kingdom. We had to “negotiate” with a witch named Ximena. We fought a giant spider, then she offered the prince and princess’s freedom for… wait for it… blood. I don’t think Hazel spent long enough considering the consequences. I don’t think I’m alone in worrying for her. Well, we’re almost half way. Things are working out pretty well so far, but Hazel needs to stop taking detours!

One step closer!,

Emily

With a soft blow of the whistle, Crescent came swooping down, snatching up the paper in his talons. As he flew away, Emily couldn’t help but have a nagging suspicion that something was off. Oh well.

The witch sat against a tree, awaiting company. “There you are! I’ve been waiting for an hour.” Ximena announced annoyedly. “Sorry. Took me a while to find this place.” the black knight commented, approaching the sorceress. “So? I’m assuming you got what you wanted?” Ximena smirked, holding up a vial. “Of course I did! She’s a classic hero: willing to do anything to keep others safe. So predictable…” she stated, sighing and shaking her head. Underneath her head plate, the black knight smiled. “Good. For them, you are just one event in their journey. They have no idea… You’re going to get started, aren’t you?” “Why wouldn’t I? I now have everything I need… Thank you for your roll in this.” Ximena chuckled. “I have my own gains.” the black knight replied ominously, and she turned and walked away.

While others saw her book open, Hazel had tucked the secret note in between the pages. She furrowed her eyebrows, mind filling with questions. ‘DO NOT underestimate what a sorceress can do with one’s blood.’ I know that, but… Does she know Ximena’s plan? Does she even HAVE a plan? There’s another detail: Why was this addressed only to me? In fact, how did she know I suspected the other note of something? “Hazel? Are you okay?” Jack asked, startling her out of her reverie. “Hm? Ya, I’m fine.” she replied absentmindedly. Looking at him, it was clear to see that he didn’t believe her. Not that it mattered, but it was nice to see he cared.

Queen Serenity held the watering can, nurturing her garden with care. It was a nice way to take her mind off things… or reflect on them. I’m kind of happy she’s not here… I don’t need them together. The hard part is she’s actually a good knight, so I don’t really have an alternate excuse besides… She shook her head. Well, the only good thing is that she knows her place; doesn’t expect anything to be handed to her. We mutually dislike each other, just how I want it.